Interesting Facts about Marsh Harriers

Marsh Harriers are predator bird that is found mostly in Europe and parts of Africa. They are mostly brown with white or gray throats. They can grow to 48 to 56 centimeters long. Their wingspan is 115 to 130 centimeters. They eat small mice, lizards, frogs, and insects. It likes to hunt for its food over fields and water reed banks. During breeding season the birds will make their nests out of reeds. They find tall grass or bushes to hide in and build their nests on the ground. So they can hear a predator moving in the grass and leave before it gets there.

Did you know?

Because there has been an increase of wetland draining, the Marsh Harriers have trouble finding places to nest.

The only place you can’t find a Marsh Harrier is in the Americas.

Marsh Harriers migrate in September and October. They leave Europe and move to Africa for warmer weather.

People used to think there were only 2 species of Harriers, but now there are about 6.

When these birds hunt they glide on the air currents and have a noticeable “V” shape.

Lesson Plan Note: Marsh Harriers are a great companion topic to studying the ecosystem of a wetland.